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The Chicago Hounds have added three former Austin Gilgronis to their roster for the 2023 Major League Rugby season. Hooker Hugh Roach and flanker pair Maclean Jones and Luke Beauchamp have signed on. All three have represented Australia at age grade level.
Roach is a Super Rugby veteran, most notably with the Waratahs. Known for his mobility and dynamic ball carrying ability, the 30-year-old was a standout with the AG’s since arriving in 2021. In two seasons he scored an impressive 14 tries in 23 appearances.
Jones, 26, arrived at the same time as Roach and was the first choice openside flanker for Austin in each of the 2021 and 2022 seasons. He recovered off-season knee surgery to make 9 appearances this past season including 7 starts.
This will be Beauchamp’s third team in MLR since joining the SaberCats in 2019. The 30-year-old blindside captained Houston in 2021 before making the move to Austin. He is currently classed as an import player but will be US-qualified on consecutive residency in 2024.
Roach joins AG teammate Mason Koch and Canadian international Lindsey Stevens as hooker options for Chicago. Other loose forwards signings confirmed to date are Mike Matarazzo from Dallas and another from Austin, Michael de Waal.
